Some consider Sunday River to be the ski miracle of the past two decades: A guy with vision and money turns a backwater day-area on a ridge of modest mountains into what one reader calls "one of the best ski areas in New England."

The top of Sunday River is the perfect place to check out Maine's ancient, stunning green forests or catch a view of 6,288-foot Mount Washington, N.H., New England's highest peak. Once you've had your fill of vistas, head downhill.